The Irish Loop Quilt Guild is celebrating a year of accomplishment. The group has participated in several 12-hour day retreats at Saltwater Country, done a local shop hop, made donations of denim pillows for the homeless to The Gathering Place in St. John’s, and have made a baby quilt to donate to One Plane Away – a charity that accepts baby care packages in Nunavut. Guild member Pennie Hancock said groups like the Quilt Guild add to the community. “It’s especially important now after the challenges of COVID, both socially and economically,” she said. The guild allows adults to gather together in a small, safe, group setting and enjoy the company of others. Joining a guild also provides the opportunity to share skills and techniques. “Donations of quilted items help fill a need in our community and lets those in need know that others are available to help,” said Hancock. “Working on projects to donate to the community also gives a sense of accomplishment and purpose to the guild.” In the upcoming year, the group has chosen to make and donate a quilt to the Quilts of Valor project for Canadian Forces veterans. “In addition, it’s been proven that a vehicle full of quilters going on a shop hop adds much needed funds into our economy with their planned purchases of fabric, gas and a meal stop along the way,” said Hancock. The guild meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Saltwater Country, in Bay Bulls. Pictured, from left to right, are members Pennie Hancock, Colleen Power, Justine Finlay, Deborah Maddox and Joanne Moss.
